Antarctica
Antarctic Polar Circle
Antarctica
Antarctica
Embark on an expedition cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, and endeavor to cross the Polar Circle. Explore a pristine wilderness and observe whales, seals, fur seals, and vast penguin colonies.
Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
Starts: Ushuaia, Argentina
Ends: Ushuaia, Argentina
Language: English speaking voyage
The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather and ice conditions. Your Captain and Expedition Leader will make the necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience.
Ship Cruise More info about this activity
Not only we travel from one point to another and find our shelter on board the ship we chose. We also enjoy from incredible scenery, landscapes and interactions that only our noble vessel can provide.
Everyday the Bridge Team navigates the ship to position ourselves on the best posible spots, looking for unique opportunities.
Many times, this includes sainig through narrow passages, on the vicinity of glaciers or entering bays and fjords only approachable from the ship.
Enjoy this incredible places from the comfort of the common areas on board, open decks or your own private balcony!
Shore Excursion More info about this activity
Shore excursions are the backbone of almost all itineraries, with most ships making landfall at least once every day once they reach their destination. The weather plays a huge role in your daily itinerary, although given the sheer array of fantastic landing sites all over there are plenty of options your Captain and Expedition Leader can choose from. On-shore excursions allow you to visit scientific research stations, communities, prominent wildlife colonies and take hikes to elevated viewing points for fantastic photography.
Zodiac cruising More info about this activity
On board the Zodiac you will discover a world of possibilities; accessing the most exclusive landing sites, cruising the coast in search of wildlife or simply enjoying a tour in the calm of the polar regions in search of marine wildlife or bird colonies.
The blue ice an its intimate presence is experienced at its best on zodiac tours.
It is not uncommon to meet curious seals, or humpback whales feeding.
Enrichment Program More info about this activity
Expedition cruising must be one of the most incredible ways of travelling. Not only for the amazing places you visit and the unforgetable wildlife but for the wildlife, the sensory overload and the unimaginable memories.
But all of this needs a context in order to understand where you are and what you are experiencing.
On board your expedition vessell you will find a group of experts, naturalists, zodiac drivers and guides that that will translate the language of nature for you, telling you the stories of the places you are visiting, reviewing the historical, biological, ecological and geological aspects of your trips.
You will experience first hand what surrounds you and arrive back home wiser and loaded with new knowledge.
Snow Shoeing More info about this activity
This popular alpine activity is easy to learn. No experience is necessary – all you need is a willingness to try. All training is provided and our team of guides will have you trained and ready to go in no more than half an hour.
Participants should be confident in their footing and have an average level of fitness – outings may be up to three hours in duration. Those who enjoy hiking trails or taking long walks at home will possess enough fitness to enjoy this activity. As with any other activity, you will get more enjoyment out of it with some preparation in advance, such as long walks with uphill sections or bike riding.
In Antarctica, the longest hike can be 2-3 hours long, while in the Arctic it can be a full day tour.
Polar Plunge More info about this activity
The ultimate icy challenge! The Polar Plunge is a classic rite of passage for every explorer, it is a heart-pumping experience that earns you a badge of courage and unforgettable memories.
Camping More info about this activity
Camp ashore in Antarctica!
After dinner, you’ll leave your cruise ship and zip ashore via a Zodiac. An experienced guide will choose the campsite spot and instruct everybody in how to set up their tents and sleeping bags. The next morning everybody will help to break down the camp, making sure that no gear or garbage gets left behind, and clean the camping gear. The location for camps and the number of camp nights offered depends on the operator, weather and location of the ship.
Kayaking More info about this activity
The experience of sea kayaking in the humbling wilderness of Antarctica or the Arctic is guaranteed to stir your soul.
Sea kayaking is one of the highlights for any Polar Traveller, providing ice and weather conditions are assessed as safe by your Expedition Team.
This activity requires previous kayaking experience.
Embark on an unforgettable expedition cruise sailing from Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel via the Mackinlay Pass. The voyage crosses the Drake Passage, home to the Antarctic Convergence, a natural biological barrier rich in nutrients that sustains an outstanding biodiversity. Onboard, officers share technical knowledge under an "open bridge" policy ideal for spotting whales and albatrosses, complemented by comprehensive expert lectures as the first icebergs signal your arrival at the South Shetland Islands.
The expedition delves into the pristine wilderness of the western Antarctic Peninsula, navigating spectacular channels like the Gerlache Strait, Neumayer Channel, and Lemaire Channel. We plan to sail far south of the Lemaire Channel toward the Polar Circle, with possible visits to the Ukrainian Vernadsky station, the rugged Yalour Islands, and Detaille Island. Guests will view thousands of chinstrap, Adélie, gentoo, and macaroni penguins alongside leopard seals, southern elephant seals, and humpback whales, featuring landings at Paradise Bay, Cuverville Island, Port Lockroy, Half Moon Island, and inside the flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island.
Highlights:
Crossing the historic Drake Passage with expert lectures and incredible seabird identification.
Endeavoring to cross the Polar Circle to explore remote high-latitude islands and stations.
Daily shoreside landings to view massive colonies of gentoo, Adélie, and chinstrap penguins.
Navigating narrow polar waterways framed by towering rocks and majestic glaciers.
Sailing through the narrow passage into the astounding flooded volcanic caldera of Deception Island.
Day 1: Depart from the city of Ushuaia
Subtítulo
Embarkation in the afternoon and meet your expedition staff and lecturers. After getting settled in your cabin, we will sail along the famous Beagle Channel through the Mackinlay Pass.
Days 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage
Subtítulo
Named after the renowned explorer Sir Francis Drake who sailed these waters in 1578, the Drake Passage is the setting for the Antarctic Convergence, a natural biological barrier where cold polar waters plunge beneath warmer northern waters. This generates a large amount of nutrients, which sustain the biodiversity of this region. The Drake Passage also marks the northern limit of many Antarctic seabirds. As we sail through the passage, our staff will be out with you on deck to help in the identification of an amazing variety of seabirds, including the albatrosses following the USHUAIA. The onboard "open bridge" policy will allow you to accompany our officers on the bridge and learn some aspects concerning navigation, spot whales, or simply enjoy the view. A full program of lectures will be awaiting you. The first icebergs and snow-capped mountains indicate that we have reached the South Shetland Islands, an archipelago of 20 islands and islets discovered in 1819 by Captain William Smith with his brig Williams. If conditions in the Drake Passage are favorable, on the third day our expedition staff will accompany you on your first landing, and you will experience the fascinating encounter with penguins and seals.
Days 4-9: Discovering the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands and possible crossing of the Polar Circle
Subtítulo
Exquisite beauties and pristine landscapes await you in the western part of the Antarctic Peninsula. Thousands of icebergs of different colors and shapes float in the waters around the continent. Learning about the remarkable history of the Antarctic Peninsula will thrill you in a way comparable to the first explorers. You will have ample time to explore its incredible landscape, a pristine wilderness of snow, ice, mountains, and waterways, and the amazing and wide variety of wildlife. In addition to chinstrap, Adélie, macaroni, and gentoo penguin species and other seabirds, you can also see up close crabeater, Weddell, and leopard seals, fur seals, as well as Minke whales and killer whales. At this time of year, it is also very likely to spot large cetaceans in this area, for example, humpback, fin, and sei whales. We hope to navigate some of the most beautiful channels, always depending on ice conditions: the Gerlache Strait, Neumayer Channel, and Lemaire Channel are narrow passages between towering rocks and spectacular glaciers. Sites for excursions may also include: Paradise Bay, literally the best-named place in the world, with its majestic glaciers and mountains; Cuverville Island, which hosts the largest gentoo penguin colony on the Peninsula, surrounded by glaciers and towering castellated icebergs; and a British museum and post office at Port Lockroy. We plan to sail much further south of the Lemaire Channel on our way to the Polar Circle. It is possible that we will visit the Ukrainian Vernadsky station, the former British Faraday base where the existence of the ozone hole was discovered, the rugged Yalour Islands, and Detaille Island south of the Circle. Heading northbound, we plan to explore the South Shetland Islands. This group of volcanic islands is teeming with wildlife. Vast penguin colonies, beaches ruled by Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals, make every day here unforgettable. We will attempt to navigate the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island, which is truly amazing, as is visiting Half Moon Island, home to chinstrap penguins against the backdrop of a breathtaking landscape.
Days 10-11: Crossing the Drake Passage
Subtítulo
We will leave the Antarctic Peninsula and head north, crossing the Drake Passage. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck in the search for new species of seabirds and whales, and enjoy some of the final lectures. Take time to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the last few days on the way back to Ushuaia.
Day 12: Arrival at the port of Ushuaia
Subtítulo
We arrive in Ushuaia early in the morning, where you will disembark after breakfast.
Day 1: Depart from the city of Ushuaia
Subtítulo
Embarkation in the afternoon and meet your expedition staff and lecturers. After getting settled in your cabin, we will sail along the famous Beagle Channel through the Mackinlay Pass.
Days 2-3: Crossing the Drake Passage
Subtítulo
Named after the renowned explorer Sir Francis Drake who sailed these waters in 1578, the Drake Passage is the setting for the Antarctic Convergence, a natural biological barrier where cold polar waters plunge beneath warmer northern waters. This generates a large amount of nutrients, which sustain the biodiversity of this region. The Drake Passage also marks the northern limit of many Antarctic seabirds. As we sail through the passage, our staff will be out with you on deck to help in the identification of an amazing variety of seabirds, including the albatrosses following the USHUAIA. The onboard "open bridge" policy will allow you to accompany our officers on the bridge and learn some aspects concerning navigation, spot whales, or simply enjoy the view. A full program of lectures will be awaiting you. The first icebergs and snow-capped mountains indicate that we have reached the South Shetland Islands, an archipelago of 20 islands and islets discovered in 1819 by Captain William Smith with his brig Williams. If conditions in the Drake Passage are favorable, on the third day our expedition staff will accompany you on your first landing, and you will experience the fascinating encounter with penguins and seals.
Days 4-9: Discovering the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands and possible crossing of the Polar Circle
Subtítulo
Exquisite beauties and pristine landscapes await you in the western part of the Antarctic Peninsula. Thousands of icebergs of different colors and shapes float in the waters around the continent. Learning about the remarkable history of the Antarctic Peninsula will thrill you in a way comparable to the first explorers. You will have ample time to explore its incredible landscape, a pristine wilderness of snow, ice, mountains, and waterways, and the amazing and wide variety of wildlife. In addition to chinstrap, Adélie, macaroni, and gentoo penguin species and other seabirds, you can also see up close crabeater, Weddell, and leopard seals, fur seals, as well as Minke whales and killer whales. At this time of year, it is also very likely to spot large cetaceans in this area, for example, humpback, fin, and sei whales. We hope to navigate some of the most beautiful channels, always depending on ice conditions: the Gerlache Strait, Neumayer Channel, and Lemaire Channel are narrow passages between towering rocks and spectacular glaciers. Sites for excursions may also include: Paradise Bay, literally the best-named place in the world, with its majestic glaciers and mountains; Cuverville Island, which hosts the largest gentoo penguin colony on the Peninsula, surrounded by glaciers and towering castellated icebergs; and a British museum and post office at Port Lockroy. We plan to sail much further south of the Lemaire Channel on our way to the Polar Circle. It is possible that we will visit the Ukrainian Vernadsky station, the former British Faraday base where the existence of the ozone hole was discovered, the rugged Yalour Islands, and Detaille Island south of the Circle. Heading northbound, we plan to explore the South Shetland Islands. This group of volcanic islands is teeming with wildlife. Vast penguin colonies, beaches ruled by Antarctic fur seals and southern elephant seals, make every day here unforgettable. We will attempt to navigate the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island, which is truly amazing, as is visiting Half Moon Island, home to chinstrap penguins against the backdrop of a breathtaking landscape.
Days 10-11: Crossing the Drake Passage
Subtítulo
We will leave the Antarctic Peninsula and head north, crossing the Drake Passage. Join our lecturers and naturalists on deck in the search for new species of seabirds and whales, and enjoy some of the final lectures. Take time to relax and reflect on the fascinating adventures of the last few days on the way back to Ushuaia.
Day 12: Arrival at the port of Ushuaia
Subtítulo
We arrive in Ushuaia early in the morning, where you will disembark after breakfast.
INCLUSIONS
Cruise and accommodation on board according to the itinerary.
All meals during the voyage.
All zodiac and shore excursions, as well as activities during the voyage.
Lecture program by renowned naturalists and experienced members of the expedition staff.
Port taxes and fees while the program is underway.
Pre-departure information material.
Detailed navigation log.
Complimentary expedition parka and boots.
Starlink WI-FI included.
EXCLUSIONS
No airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights; no pre- and/or post-cruise services of any kind; transfers to and from the ship; visa or passport expenses; government arrival and departure fees; meals on land; baggage, personal, and cancellation insurance (highly recommended); excess baggage expenses and all expenses of a personal nature, such as bar and telecommunications, as well as tips at the end of the trip (recommendations will be provided).
For 3 travelers, these cabins measure approximately 151 ft² (14.0 m²) and are ideal for small groups or families. They include private bathrooms, ocean views, and essential amenities that balance comfort and practicality.
Features
Private Bathroom
Ocean View
WiFi (Suplemented)
Single Bed
For 2 travelers, these 111 ft² (10.3 m²) cabins are cozy and efficient. They include upper/lower twin beds, semi-private bathrooms, and porthole views, along with a personal washbasin, desk, and WiFi for basic comfort.
Features
Shared Bathroom
Desk
Ocean View
WiFi (Suplemented)
Bunk Bed
For 2 travelers, these cabins offer around 129 ft² (12.0 m²) of efficient space with either a porthole or window view. Each includes twin beds, private bathroom, desk, and hairdryer, making them perfect for travelers seeking great value.
Features
Private Bathroom
Desk
Ocean View
WiFi (Suplemented)
Single Bed
For 2 travelers, Premier Twin cabins offer approximately 136 ft² (12.6 m²) of modern comfort. They feature twin beds, a private bathroom, an ocean view, plus added touches like a desk, hairdryer, and complimentary WiFi.
Features
Private Bathroom
Desk
Ocean View
WiFi (Suplemented)
Single Bed
For 1 traveler, these private cabins are approximately 114 ft² (10.6 m²) with a porthole view (partially obstructed by a lifeboat). Each includes a single bed, private bathroom, desk, and WiFi for a comfortable, self-contained stay.
Features
Private Bathroom
Desk
WiFi (Suplemented)
Single Bed
For 2–3 travelers, these comfortable cabins span around 125 ft² (11.6 m²) and are ideal for couples or friends. They feature twin beds, a private bathroom, an ocean-view window, and practical amenities like a desk, chair, and hairdryer.
Features
Private Bathroom
Desk
Ocean View
WiFi (Suplemented)
Single Bed
For 3–4 travelers, our spacious and elegantly appointed Suites offer approximately 243 ft² (22.6 m²) of comfort with large windows for natural light and ocean views. Each includes a private bathroom, lounge area, desk, Nespresso machine, and modern touches like a hairdryer and, in some cases, a sofa bed.
Features
Private Bathroom
Desk
Ocean View
WiFi (Suplemented)
Double Bed
* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.
THE POLAR TRAVEL COMPANY LLC
USA
Tel: +1 (786) 321-5654
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Email:
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